Thursday, March 18, 2010

Signs of Spring ! + Spicy Cajun "Dirty Rice"

Signs of spring are everywhere, in Cajun Country and it is a delight to drive around, especially if you are in a convertible! The better to feast your eyes on the bursting forth of Spring and with a full view of the sky, too. I took this pic while stopped at the red light, where I spend a large amount of time waiting. Fortunately, this house on the corner, has a nice yard and garden, so there is always something beautiful to look at while waiting for the light to turn green. Finally, Spring is here! Hope that ya'll get to get out there and enjoy it!

This tulip tree is almost in full bloom.

And the cherry trees are starting to bloom.

This one is in full bloom!


Here is a wonderful dish that goes well with so many things. This is a special recipe that has been handed down for generations, in my family. It compliments a beef roast, ham, or chicken dish, perfectly and is easy to make. Known as "Dirty Rice", or rice dressing and it is almost always on the Cajun table, and is especially good with Barbeque. Enjoy!



Spicy Cajun "Dirty Rice" Dressing


1 cup onions, chopped fine
1/2 cup celery, chopped fine
1/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped fine
1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped fine
2 tsp's minced garlic
1/2 pound lean ground beef
1/2 pound lean ground pork
(or 1 lb. lean ground beef)
1/4 lb. chicken giblets, chopped (optional)
Salt and Tabasco, to taste
1 tbs. or more, Cajun seasoning
2 tbs's Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1 bunch green onions, chopped, including tops
1 1/2 cups beef stock or broth
3 cups cooked rice

First, make a light roux.


2 tbls.'s flour
2 tbls.'s vegetable oil


Brown the flour in the oil in heavy skillet and stir constantly until it is a medium brown. (about 10 minutes) Lower heat and add the vegetables and garlic and stir for 5 minutes, adding a little bit of water, if needed, to prevent sticking.  Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. remove from heat and set aside.


In separate large, heavy frying pan, cook the beef, pork, and giblets and stir and cook until browned. Drain excess oil and add the Worcestershire sauce, beef stock, and prepared roux,  mix well,  and cover and simmer for 30 minutes.  Stir in the green onions and parsley and cook for 10 more minutes. Cut heat off and add the cooked rice and gently stir until well blended. Add a few shakes of Tabasco if you want it spicy. Delicious! Serves 6

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Many thanks to all of you who have commented and emailed me with advice on how to fix a problem that I've been having for about a week, now. Wishing ya'll many lovely Springtime moments! Merci beaucoup for stopping by!

9 comments:

Kathleen said...

Your recipes sound great. I can't wait to try them. The dirty rice seems amazing. Hows the flavor without the giblets?

Marguerite said...

Kathleen- Hi and welcome! Thanks so much for stopping by and for your nice comment! The flavor is awesome, with or without the giblets.

Cloudia said...

flowering trees and good food - you live in heaven, Cher!

Love your new pic

Aloha from Hawaii my dear Friend!


Comfort Spiral

Marguerite said...

Cloudia- Merci beaucoup for your sweet compliments, cher! You live in heaven, too! Aloha!

Mehmet Osman Çağlar said...

Every post is better than each other!

I wish you a very wonderful and healty weekend my dear friend!

Inspired by eRecipeCards said...

I wish I had better info on fixing your problem... What did Blogger have to say???

I do love spring in Kansas (really I do). Just a little bit sad to be missing that...

Jo said...

Oh ... YUM!!! Another wonderful recipe from Marguerite. :-)

Enjoy spring -- in your convertible. :-)

Marguerite said...

Jivago- Oh mon cher amis, you say the sweetest things! Merci beaucoup and hope that you are having a great weekend, too, cher!

Dave- Thanks so much for your concern and for your advice. I have tried just about everything, but my posts are STILL NOT UPDATING, so just check in, when you can.! Cie la vie! You are in paradise, but I understand, because I love Spring, too!

Marguerite said...

Jo- Merci beaucoup, cher! This recipe is out of this world! Hope that you try it! Thanks for coming by!